Abstract INTRODUCTION: We aimed to study intraspecific variation in Triatoma costalimai, a potential vector of Chagas disease present in Brazil and Bolivia. METHODS: We analyzed phenotypic (connexivum color patterns, wing morphometrics) and genetic variation (16S mtDNA) of three Brazilian T. costalimai populations. We compared 16S sequences with those of putative Bolivian T. costalimai and its sister species, T. jatai. RESULTS: Brazilian populations had different connexivum color patterns and forewing shapes. A 16S mtDNA haplotype network showed a clear separation of Brazilian T. costalimai from both T. jatai and Bolivian T. costalimai. CONCLUSIONS: We report considerable variability in T. costalimai populations.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Chagas disease surveillance requires current knowledge on synanthropic triatomines. We analyzed the occurrence and Trypanosoma cruzi infection rates of triatomine bugs in central Brazil, during 2012-2014. METHODS: Triatomines were collected inside or around houses, and T. cruzi infection was determined by optical microscopy and conventional/quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Of the 2706 triatomines collected, Triatoma sordida was the most frequent species in Goiás State, whereas Panstrongylus megistus predominated in the Federal District. Parasites identified were T. cruzi, T. rangeli, and Blastocrithidia sp. CONCLUSIONS: P. megistus and T. sordida sustained the risk of T. cruzi transmission to humans in central Brazil.

INTRODUÇÃO: Populações de Triatoma sordida Stål, 1859 foram investigadas quanto à suscetibilidade à deltametrina. MÉTODOS: Análise por meio de bioensaios por aplicação tópica em 11 populações de T. sordida procedentes dos Estados de Goiás, Mato Grosso e Mato Grosso do Sul. RESULTADOS: As estimativas de DL50 e RR50 demonstraram elevados níveis de suscetibilidade (DL50 < 1 e RR50 < 2). Entretanto, as análises do coeficiente angular da curva dose resposta revelaram que as populações de triatomíneos dos municípios de Firminópolis/GO, Posse/GO, Poxoréu/MT, Douradina/MS e Aparecida do Taboado/MS apresentam maiores probabilidades de evolução de resistência, portanto, mais propícias a tolerar o tratamento com deltametrina. CONCLUSÕES: Detectaram-se pequenas alterações de suscetibilidade e baixos níveis de resistência, porém as alterações temporais de suscetibilidade deverão ser continuamente monitoradas, a fim de nortear adequadamente as ações de controle dos vetores da DC.

INTRODUCTION: Triatoma sordida Stål, 1859 populations were investigated for susceptibility to deltamethrin. METHODS: This study aimed to analyze the resistance of 11 populations of insects from the States of Goiás, Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul by topical application bioassays. RESULTS: The estimated LD50 and RR50 showed high levels of susceptibility (LD50 < 1 and RR50 < 2). However, analysis of the slope of the dose response curve showed that the populations of insects in the towns of Firminópolis/GO, Posse/GO, Poxoréu/MT, Douradina/MS and Aparecida do Taboado/MS present great probability of evolving resistance and, thus, are more likely to tolerate treatment with deltamethrin. CONCLUSIONS: Small changes in susceptibility and low levels of resistance were detected, but the temporal changes of susceptibility should be continuously monitored to adequately guide the actions of vector-control of DC.

Relata-se a primeira ocorrência de Panstrongylus guentheri Berg no Brasil. Essa espécie, até então, havia sido observada somente na Argentina, Paraguai, Bolívia e Uruguai. Desta feita, amplia-se a distribuição geográfica desse Triatominae por meio de dois exemplares capturados nos municípios de Bodoquena e Itaporã, ambos no Mato Grosso do Sul. Esses exemplares estavam em ambiente intradomiciliar.

The first occurrence of Panstrongylus guentheri Berg in Brazil is presented. This species had been reported only in the territories of Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia and Uruguay. We have extended the geographic distribution of this Triatominae, with two specimens captured in Bodoquena and Itaporã cities, both in Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. These specimens were found in the intradomestic environment.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar as características morfológicas e histológicas dos ovos de seis espécies de triatomíneos, buscando a caracterização específica e genérica desses grupo de vetores do Trypanosoma cruzi e a melhor compreensão seus aspectos filogenéticos e taxonômicos. Os ovos das espécies estudadas foram obtidos no acervo do Laboratório de Triatomíneos e Culicídeos da Faculdade de Saúde Pública/USP, do Insetário do Serviço Especial de Saúde de Araraquara - SESA e do insetário de triatomíneos do Laboratório Nacional e Internacional de Referência em Taxonomia de Triatomíneos da FIOCRUZ, RJ. Estudos morfológicos foram realizados por meio de microscopia óptica e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Nos estudos histológicos, utilizou-se microscopia óptica. Todas as espécies analisadas apresentaram predominância de células hexagonais. O exocório de Triatoma breyeri Del Ponte, T. costalimai Verano & Galvão e T. tibiamaculata (Pinto) é constituído por células sem ornamentações, justapostas ou levemente separadas, de aspecto liso e acolchoado. Por outro lado, em T. matogrossensis Leite & Barbosa, T. sherlocki Papa, Juberg, Carcavallo, Cerqueira & Barata e T. williami Galvão, Souza & Lima, as células do exocório apresentam ornamentações, tais como, perfurações e fraturas distribuídas em toda a superfície. Na histologia dos ovos observou-se a presença de ondulações, poros e orifícios. O estudo contribui para a ampliação do reconhecimento genérico e específico da subfamília Triatominae. As características identificadas no exocório das cascas dos ovos podem auxiliar na correta determinação de espécies próximas. Esses novos parâmetros poderão subsidiar a elaboração de futuras chaves dicotômicas e auxiliar na determinação do papel de cada espécie vetora.

The objective of this study was to analyze the morphological and histological characteristics of eggs from six triatomine species in order to obtain a generic and specific characterization of this group of Trypanosoma cruzi vectors and better understand their phylogenetic and taxonomic aspects. The eggs of the respective species came from the collection of the Laboratório de Triatomíneos e Culicídeos da Faculdade de Saúde Pública/USP, from the Insetário do Serviço Especial de Saúde de Araraquara - SESA and from the Triatomine insectary of the Laboratório Nacional e Internacional de Referência em Taxonomia de Triatomíneos (FIOCRUZ), in Rio de Janeiro. Morphological studies were done with optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Histological analyses used only optical microscopy. All of the species analyzed showed a predominance of hexagonal cells. The exchorion of Triatoma breyeri Del Ponte, T. costalimai Verano & Galvão, and T. tibiamaculata (Pinto) consists of unornamented cells, overlapping or slightly separated, with a smooth, padded appearance. Meanwhile, in T. matogrossensis Leite & Barbosa, T. sherlocki Papa, Juberg, Carcavallo, Cerqueira & Barata, and T. williami Galvão, Souza & Lima, the exchorion cells are ornamented on their entire surface with perforations and fissures. Egg histology showed undulations, pores, and orifices. The study helps to expand the generic and specific knowledge of the Triatominae subfamily. The characteristics identified in the exchorion of the eggshells can help separate close species. These new parameters will back the elaboration of future dichotomous keys, help to determine each vector species’ role and expand knowledge of the various species.

The aim of this study was to analyze the external morphology of the scutellum through optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in male specimens of Triatoma costalimai, T. delpontei, T. eratyrusiformis, T. matogrossensis, T. infestans melanosoma, T. sherlocki, T. tibiamaculata, and T. vandae. A total of 30 photographs of the scutellum were made. Magnification varied from 50X to 750X. Regarding depth and forms of the central depression, the heart-shaped form was predominant, with some exceptions, so that this shape appears to be a common characteristic for species of genus Triatoma Laporte, 1832. In T. eratyrusiformis, a kind of sensillum with important taxonomic value was observed. The different sizes and shapes of the designs found on the posterior process of the scutellum were also of important taxonomic interest. The study of the scutellum based on SEM showed valuable characteristics, allowing the use of this structure to aid the diagnosis of triatomine species. Thus, more specimens in subsequent studies and analyses of morphometric parameters should contribute to agreement on phylogenetic aspects in this genus. A Key to eight species of Triatoma based on male scutellar morphology is presented.